Exercise equipment and methods of making and using the same

ABSTRACT

Exercise equipment containing one or more resistance surfaces are disclosed. Methods of making and using exercise equipment containing one or more resistance surfaces are also disclosed.

This application is being filed as a PCT International Patent Application in the name of Isaac Kodsi, a U.S. citizen, claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/116,972 filed on 23 Nov. 2020 and entitled “EXERCISE EQUIPMENT AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to exercise equipment and particularly exercise equipment for providing an enhanced exercise experience for a user. The present invention is further directed to methods of making and using exercise equipment.

BACKGROUND

Working out or training on the ground or another hard surface provides one exercising experience for a user. Performing certain exercises on the ground or a solid stable floor can increase the likelihood of impact injury, and does not enhance the individual user experience both physically and mentally.

Gyms and instructors have used products such as a “power plate” to add other features, such as vibration, to the exercise experience. However, these types of exercising devices lack the ability to engage many of a user's muscles and other body systems, and subsequently fall short of truly improving the user's exercise experience and performance.

Efforts continue to further develop exercise equipment and the exercise experience for users.

SUMMARY

The present invention addresses some of the difficulties and problems discussed above by the discovery of new exercise equipment.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to exercise equipment. In one exemplary embodiment, the exercise equipment of the present invention comprise: one or more resistance surfaces with each resistance surface comprising (i) a front surface point or edge, (ii) a rear surface edge, and (iii) opposite side surface edges extending between the front surface point or edge and the rear surface edge; first and second forward posts positioned along the opposite side surface edges and extending upward above the one or more resistance surfaces, each of the first and second forward posts independently comprises one or more rings, one or more connectors, or both, positioned along the first and second forward posts, the one or more rings and the one or more connectors enabling a user to perform one or more exercise routines via the one or more rings and the one or more connectors; and partitioning material extending between and connected to said first and second forward posts so as to extend from the first forward post along at least a portion of a first side surface edge of said opposite side surface edges to said rear surface edge, and along at least a portion of a second side surface edge of said opposite side surface edges from said rear surface edge to the second forward post. In some embodiments, the exercise equipment further comprises first and second rear posts positioned in opposite corners along said rear surface edge and extending upward above the one or more resistance surfaces.

In another exemplary embodiment, the exercise equipment of the present invention comprise: two or more resistance surfaces with each resistance surface (a) extending between a central axis of said exercise equipment and an outer edge of said exercise equipment, said outer edge at least partially, or completely, surrounding said central axis, and (b) comprising (i) said front surface point or edge, (ii) said rear surface edge, and (iii) said opposite side surface edges extending between the front surface point or edge and the rear surface edge; said opposite side surface edges extending along opposite lines, each of said opposite lines extending through said central axis and forming an angle A therebetween, wherein each of said angle A is equal to or less than about 90°. The exercise equipment of the present invention may comprise as few as one, two or three resistance surfaces with each resistance surface (a) extending between a central axis of said exercise equipment and an outer edge of said exercise equipment, said outer edge at least partially, or completely, surrounding said central axis, and (b) comprising (i) said front surface point or edge, (ii) said rear surface edge, and (iii) said opposite side surface edges extending between the front surface point or edge and the rear surface edge, as discussed above.

The present invention is further related to methods of making exercise equipment. In one exemplary embodiment, the method of making exercise equipment comprises: assembling the one or more resistance surfaces, the first and second forward posts, and the partitioning material with one another.

The present invention is even further related to methods of using exercise equipment. In one exemplary embodiment, the method of using exercise equipment comprises: standing or jumping on at least one of the one or more resistance surfaces; and performing one or more exercises within the volume bound by (a) a given resistance surface, (b) the fronts posts, (c) the rear posts, and (d) the partitioning material.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after a review of the following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of exemplary exercise equipment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective top view of other exemplary exercise equipment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective top view of a support structure for the exemplary exercise equipment shown in FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 is a perspective top view of the support structure shown in FIG. 3 with resistance surfaces, posts, rings and connectors, and padding added;

FIG. 5 is a perspective top view of the support structure shown in FIG. 3 with partitioning material (e.g., netting) added;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the exemplary exercise equipment shown in FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 7 is a close-up side view of an exemplary outer edge and side wall of the exemplary exercise equipment shown in FIG. 2 , the side wall providing an entrance into the exemplary exercise equipment;

FIG. 8 is a frontal or side view of the exemplary exercise equipment shown in FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 9 is a close-up side view of an exemplary outer edge and side wall within block 9 shown in FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 10 is a close-up side view of an exemplary post and partitioning material within block 10 shown in FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 11 is a top view of an exemplary ceiling component suitable for use with the exemplary exercise equipment shown in FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 12 is a frontal view of the exemplary ceiling component shown in FIG. 11 ; and

FIG. 13 is view of exemplary exercise tools that may be used with the exemplary exercise equipment shown in FIG. 2 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To promote an understanding of the principles of the present invention, descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention follow and specific language is used to describe the specific embodiments. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is intended by the use of specific language. Alterations, further modifications, and such further applications of the principles of the present invention discussed are contemplated as would normally occur to one ordinarily skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.

The present invention is directed to exercise equipment. The present invention is further directed to methods of making exercise equipment. The present invention is even further directed to methods of using exercise equipment.

The exercise equipment of the present invention is further described in the following embodiments and claims. See also, the figures.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

Exercise Equipment

-   -   1. Exercise equipment 100 comprising: one or more resistance         surfaces 10 with each resistance surface 10 comprising (i) a         front surface point or edge 11, (ii) a rear surface edge 12,         and (iii) opposite side surface edges 13 extending between the         front surface point or edge 11 and the rear surface edge 12;         first and second forward posts 14 positioned along the opposite         side surface edges 13 and extending upward above the one or more         resistance surfaces 10, each of the first and second forward         posts 14 independently comprises one or more rings 15, one or         more connectors 16, or both, positioned along the first and         second forward posts 14, the one or more rings 15 and the one or         more connectors 16 enabling a user to perform one or more         exercise routines via the one or more rings 15 and the one or         more connectors 16; and partitioning material 17 extending         between and connected to said first and second forward posts 14         so as to extend from the first forward post 14 a along at least         a portion 131 of a first side surface edge 13′ of said opposite         side surface edges 13 to said rear surface edge 12, and along at         least a portion 132 of a second side surface edge 13″ of said         opposite side surface edges 13 from said rear surface edge 12 to         the second forward post 14 b. In some embodiments, the         partitioning material 17 extend from the first forward post 14 a         along at least a portion 131 of a first side surface edge 13′ of         said opposite side surface edges 13 to said rear surface edge         12, then along said rear surface edge 12, and then along at         least a portion 132 of a second side surface edge 13″ of said         opposite side surface edges 13 from said rear surface edge 12 to         the second forward post 14 b. As used herein, the “resistance         surface” is used to encompass a surface, other than the ground,         that provides a degree of resilience, an amount of         weight-bearing capabilities, and optionally elasticity. Typical         examples of resistance surfaces 10 include, but are not limited         to, trampoline jumping surfaces, exercise mats, etc. Regarding         first and second forward posts 14, typically, each of the first         and second forward posts 14 independently extends from about 3.0         feet (ft) to about 12.0 ft (or any value between 3.0 ft and 12.0         ft, in increments of 0.1 ft, or any range of values between 3.0         ft and 12.0 ft, e.g., from about 4.5 ft to about 8.2 ft) above a         given resistance surface. More typically, each of the first and         second forward posts 14 independently extends from about 6.0 ft         to about 8.0 ft above a given resistance surface.     -   2. The exercise equipment 100 of embodiment 1, further         comprising: first and second rear posts 18 positioned in         opposite corners along said rear surface edge 12 and extending         upward above the one or more resistance surfaces 10. Regarding         first and second rear posts 18, typically, each of the first and         second rear posts 18 independently extends from about 3.0 ft to         about 12.0 ft (or any value between 3.0 ft and 12.0 ft, in         increments of 0.1 ft, or any range of values between 3.0 ft and         12.0 ft, e.g., from about 4.5 ft to about 8.2 ft) above a given         resistance surface. More typically, each of the first and second         rear posts 18 independently extends from about 6.0 ft to about         8.0 ft above a given resistance surface.     -   3. The exercise equipment 100 of embodiment 1, wherein the one         or more resistance surfaces comprises two or more resistance         surfaces 10 with each resistance surface 10 (a) extending         between a central axis 19 of said exercise equipment 100 and an         outer edge 20 of said exercise equipment 100, said outer edge 20         at least partially, or completely, surrounding said central axis         19, and (b) comprising (i) said front surface point or edge         11, (ii) said rear surface edge 12, and (iii) said opposite side         surface edges 13 extending between the front surface point or         edge 11 and the rear surface edge 12; said opposite side surface         edges 13 extending along opposite lines 21, each of said         opposite lines 21 extending through said central axis 19 and         forming an angle A therebetween, wherein each of said angle A is         equal to or less than about 90°. It should be noted that         exercise equipment 100 of the present invention may comprise as         few as one, two or three resistance surfaces 10 with each         resistance surface 10 (a) extending between a central axis 19 of         said exercise equipment 100 and an outer edge 20 of said         exercise equipment 100, said outer edge 20 at least partially,         or completely, surrounding said central axis 19, and (b)         comprising (i) said front surface point or edge 11, (ii) said         rear surface edge 12, and (iii) said opposite side surface edges         13 extending between the front surface point or edge 11 and the         rear surface edge 12, as discussed above; however, typically,         exercise equipment 100 of the present invention, such as         exemplary exercise equipment 100, comprise four or more         resistance surfaces 10, more typically, from four to eight         resistance surfaces 10 as discussed herein.     -   4. The exercise equipment 100 of embodiment 3, wherein each of         said angle A is equal to or less than about 80°.     -   5. The exercise equipment 100 of embodiment 3 or 4, wherein each         of said angle A is equal to or less than about 72°.     -   6. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 3 to 5,         wherein said exercise equipment 100 comprises five or more         resistance surfaces 10 and five or more independent angles A,         and each of said five or more independent angles A is equal to         or less than about 72°.     -   7. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 3 to 6,         wherein said exercise equipment 100 comprises six or more         resistance surfaces 10 and six or more independent angles A, and         each of said six or more independent angles A is equal to or         less than about 60°.     -   8. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 3 to 7,         wherein said exercise equipment 100 comprises seven or more         resistance surfaces 10 and seven or more independent angles A,         and each of said seven or more independent angles A is equal to         or less than about 51.4°.     -   9. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 3 to 8,         wherein said exercise equipment 100 comprises eight or more         resistance surfaces 10 and eight or more independent angles A,         and each of said eight or more independent angles A is equal to         or less than about 45°.     -   10. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 3 to 9,         wherein said exercise equipment 100 comprises n resistance         surfaces 10 and n independent angles A, and each of said n         independent angles A is equal to or less than about (360°/n).     -   11. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         10, wherein each resistance surface 10 independently has a         triangular shape or an isosceles trapezoid shape.     -   12. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         11, wherein at least one of said resistance surface 10 has a         triangular shape.     -   13. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         12, wherein each resistance surface 10 has a triangular shape.     -   14. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 3 to         13, wherein each of said opposite side surface edges 13 extends         greater than about 50% (or any percent greater than 50% in         increments of 1.0%) of a distance d between said central axis 19         and said outer edge 20. See, d in FIG. 6 .     -   15. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 3 to         14, wherein each of said opposite side surface edges 13 extends         substantially a distance d between said central axis 19 and said         outer edge 20. See, d in FIG. 6 .     -   16. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         15, wherein at least one of said resistance surface 10 has an         isosceles trapezoid shape.     -   17. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 11         and 16, wherein each of said resistance surface 10 has an         isosceles trapezoid shape.     -   18. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 3 to         17, wherein each of said opposite side surface edges 13 extends         less than about 90% (or any percent less than 90% in increments         of 1.0%) of a distance d between said central axis 19 and said         outer edge 20. For example, each of said opposite side surface         edges 13 may extend from point 22 to outer edge 20 shown in FIG.         6 .     -   19. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 3 to         18, wherein each of said opposite side surface edges 13 extends         from about 50% to about 80% of a distance d between said central         axis 19 and said outer edge 20.     -   20. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         19, wherein at least a portion of each of said resistance         surfaces 10 is within a plane (i.e., a plane that is normal         (i.e., at a 90° angle) to said central axis 19).     -   21. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 3 to         20, wherein said front surface point or edge 11 of each of said         resistance surfaces 10 is substantially within a plane, said         front surface point or edge 11 being closest to said central         axis 19.     -   22. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         21, wherein said rear surface edge 12 of each of said resistance         surfaces 10 is substantially within a plane.     -   23. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         22, wherein substantially all of said resistance surfaces 10 are         within a plane.     -   24. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         23, wherein each resistance surface 10 has (i) an overall front         width W_(FRS) along said front surface point or edge 11 of less         than about 5.0 feet (ft), (ii) an overall rear width W_(RRS)         along said rear surface edge 12 of less than about ft, and (iii)         an overall length L_(RS) along said opposite side surface edges         13 of less than about ft. See, for example, FIG. 4 .     -   25. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         24, wherein each resistance surface 10 has (i) an overall front         width W_(FRS) along said front surface point or edge 11 of about         3.0 ft, (ii) an overall rear width W RRS along said rear surface         edge 12 of about 11.0 ft, and (iii) an overall length LB along         said opposite side surface edges 13 of about 11.0 ft.     -   26. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         25, wherein said exercise equipment 100 comprises y resistance         surfaces 10, y front posts 14, y rear posts 18, and y         partitioning walls 171 separating individual resistance surfaces         10 from one another, with y being an integer from 2 to 8.     -   27. The exercise equipment 100 of embodiment 26, wherein y is 8.     -   28. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         27, wherein said exercise equipment 100 comprises z modular         exercise units (not shown) with each modular exercise unit         comprising a resistance surface 10, at least one front post 14,         at least one rear post 18, and at least one partitioning wall         171, with z being an integer from 2 to 8.     -   29. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         28, wherein said exercise equipment 100 comprises z modular         exercise units (not shown) with each modular exercise unit         comprising a resistance surface 10, two front posts 14, two rear         posts 18, and two partitioning walls 171, with z being an         integer from 2 to 8.     -   30. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         29, wherein said first and second forward posts 14 are         positioned along the opposite side surface edges 13 so as to be         closer to said front surface point or edge 11 than said rear         surface edge 12.     -   31. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         30, wherein said opposite side surface edges 13 have an overall         length L_(RS), and said first and second forward posts 14 are         positioned about 0.5 to about 0.75 of said overall length L_(RS)         from said rear surface edge 12.     -   32. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 2 to         31, wherein a user enters onto a given resistance surface 10         either (i) between said first and second forward posts 14         or (ii) via an opening 23 between said first and second rear         posts 18. See, for example, FIG. 7 .     -   33. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         31, wherein a user enters onto a given resistance surface 10         between said first and second forward posts 14.     -   34. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 2 to         32, wherein a user enters onto said exercise equipment 100 via         an opening 23 between said first and second rear posts 18.     -   35. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         34, wherein each of the first and second forward posts 14         independently comprises a square or rectangular cross-sectional         area with opposing side post surfaces 141 facing the one or more         resistance surfaces 10.     -   36. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         35, wherein each of the first and second forward posts 14         independently comprises one or more rings 15 positioned along         the first and second forward posts 14.     -   37. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         36, wherein each of the first and second forward posts 14         independently comprises from two to six rings 15 positioned         along the first and second forward posts 14.     -   38. The exercise equipment 100 of embodiment 36 or 37, wherein         at least one of the one or more rings 15 is stationary.     -   39. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 36 to         38, wherein each of the one or more rings 15 is stationary.     -   40. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 36 to         39, wherein at least one of the one or more rings 15 is movable         along the first forward post 14 a or the second forward post 14         b.     -   41. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 36 to         37 and 40, wherein each of the one or more rings 15 is movable         along the first forward post 14 a or the second forward post 14         b.     -   42. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 36 to         41, wherein one or more of the one or more rings 15 are         positioned along the first and/or second forward posts 14 so as         to face the one or more resistance surfaces 10.     -   43. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 36 to         42, wherein one or more of the one or more rings 15 are         positioned along one or both of the opposing side post surfaces         141 so as to face the one or more resistance surfaces 10.     -   44. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         43, wherein each of the first and second forward posts 14         independently comprises one or more connectors 16 positioned         along the first and second forward posts 14.     -   45. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         44, wherein each of the first and second forward posts 14         independently comprises from two to six connectors 16 positioned         along the first and second forward posts 14.     -   46. The exercise equipment 100 of embodiment 44 or 45, wherein         at least one of the one or more connectors 16 is stationary.     -   47. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 44 to         46, wherein each of the one or more connectors 16 is stationary.     -   48. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 44 to         47, wherein at least one of the one or more connectors 16 is         movable along the first forward post 14 a or the second forward         post 14 b.     -   49. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 44 to         46 and 48, wherein each of the one or more connectors 16 is         movable along the first forward post 14 a or the second forward         post 14 b.     -   50. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 44 to         49, wherein at least one connector 16 of the one or more         connectors 16 is positioned on a top surface 142 of the first         forward post 14 a, the second forward post 14 b, or both. See,         for example, FIG. 4 .     -   51. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 44 to         50, wherein one or more of the one or more connectors 16 are         positioned along the first and/or second forward posts 14 so as         to face the one or more resistance surfaces 10.     -   52. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 44 to         51, wherein one or more of the one or more connectors 16 are         positioned along one or both of the opposing side post surfaces         141 so as to face the one or more resistance surfaces 10.     -   53. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         52, wherein said partitioning material 17 comprises a netting         material 17. It should be understood that partitioning material         17 may comprise other materials that provide a solid and/or         apertured barrier as shown, for example, in FIG. 1 .     -   54. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         53, wherein said partitioning material 17 comprises a netting         material 17 having an amount of tension therein and thereon so         as to provide resistance against an applied force.     -   55. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         52, wherein said partitioning material 17 comprises a polymeric         sheet material (e.g., a plexiglass sheet)(not shown).     -   56. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 2 to         55, wherein each of the first and second rear posts 18         independently comprises a square or rectangular cross-sectional         area with opposing side rear post surfaces 181 facing the one or         more resistance surfaces 10, and a side rear post surface 183         facing a corresponding front post 14. See, for example, FIG. 4 .     -   57. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 2 to         56, wherein each of the first and second rear posts 18         independently comprises one or more rear post connectors 185         that enable connection of the partitioning material 17 to the         first and second rear posts 18 See, for example, FIG. 4 .     -   58. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         57, further comprising: a surface support structure 30 (e.g., a         trampoline support structure 30), said surface support structure         comprising a support structure frame member 31 (i) having an         upper surface 32, and (ii) extending from proximate said one or         more resistance surfaces 10 to a ground surface 33. See, for         example, exemplary surface support structure 30 shown in FIG. 3         .     -   59. The exercise equipment 100 of embodiment 58, wherein said         first and second forward posts 14 form part of the surface         support structure 30.     -   60. The exercise equipment 100 of embodiment 58 or 59, wherein         said first and second rear posts 18 form part of the surface         support structure 130.     -   61. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         60, wherein each of said one or more resistance surfaces 10         comprises a separate fabric material 25. See, for example, FIG.         4 . Although any material 25 may be used, each resistance         surface 10 is typically an upper surface of a woven         polypropylene trampoline fabric 25.     -   62. The exercise equipment 100 of embodiment 61, wherein said         exercise equipment 100 further comprises a plurality of elastic         members (not shown), said plurality of elastic members         connecting said separate fabric material 25 to a support         structure frame member 31 of said exercise equipment 100.     -   63. The exercise equipment 100 of embodiment 62, wherein said         plurality of elastic members comprises a plurality of springs         (not shown).     -   64. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         63, further comprising first padding 26 extending over a         plurality of elastic members (not shown) used to fasten said one         or more resistance surfaces 10 to a surface support structure         30. See, for example, FIG. 4 .     -   65. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 3 to         64, further comprising second padding 27 extending outwardly         from said central axis 19 towards said outer edge 20. See, for         example, FIG. 4 .     -   66. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         65, wherein said exercise equipment 100 has an overall shape         having up to about eight side edges 28 extending along said         outer edge 20. It should be understood that exercise equipment         100 may have any overall shape. Possible overall shapes include,         but are not limited to, a circular shape, a star shape, a         triangular shape, a square shape, a pentagonal shape, a         hexagonal shape, an octagonal shape, a figure-eight shape, and a         rhombus shape. See, for example, FIG. 4 .     -   67. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         66, wherein said exercise equipment 100 has an overall octagonal         shape.     -   68. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         67, wherein at least one of the one or more resistance surfaces         10 comprises biometric components (not shown) therein and/or         thereon, the biometric components being capable of measuring a         physical property of a user (e.g., heart rate, etc.).     -   69. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         68, further comprising: one or more sensors (not shown) that         measure one or more exercise parameters of a user.     -   70. The exercise equipment 100 of embodiment 69, wherein the one         or more exercise parameters comprise, but are not limited to, a         weight of the user on a given resistance surface 10, a height of         a user standing still on a given resistance surface 10, a         jumping height of a user on a given resistance surface 10, a         force detector that detects an amount of force applied by a user         onto a component of the exercise equipment 100 (e.g., at least         one of first and second front posts 14, at least one of first         and second rear posts 18, a ceiling component 36 (see, FIGS.         11-12 ), partitioning material 17, etc.). Such forces include,         but are not limited to, kinetic energy, potential energy,         acceleration, velocity, etc.     -   71. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         70, further comprising: a ceiling component 36 (see, FIGS. 11-12         ) positioned over at least one of the one or more resistance         surfaces 10, wherein the ceiling component 36 enables a user         to (i) utilize the ceiling component 36 so as to push against         the ceiling component 36, (ii) suspend one or more ceiling         attachment components (e.g., suspension straps)(or the user)(not         shown) from the ceiling component 36, and/or (iii) grab one or         more ceiling-extending components (e.g., suspension straps)(not         shown) extending from the ceiling component 36.     -   72. The exercise equipment 100 of embodiment 71, wherein the         ceiling component 36 is attachable to the first and second front         posts 14.     -   73. The exercise equipment 100 of embodiment 71 or 72, wherein         the ceiling component 36 is attachable to the first and second         front posts 14 and the first and second rear posts 18. It should         be understood that ceiling component 36 can be attached to the         first and second front posts 14 and/or the first and second rear         posts 18 via one or more attachment members 38/39 positioned         along ceiling component 36. As shown in FIGS. 11-12 , suitable         attachment members 38/39 may include, but are not limited to,         rods 38 and/or slots 39 positioned on ceiling component 36, Rods         38 and/or slots 39 may connect with corresponding rings 15         and/or connectors 16 positioned on the first and second front         posts 14 (e.g., a top surface 142 or side surface 141 thereof)         and/or the first and second rear posts 18 (e.g., a top surface         182 or side surface 181 thereof).     -   74. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         73, further comprising: an oscillator (not shown) capable of         creating vibration along one or more of the one or more         resistance surfaces 10.     -   75. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         74, further comprising: a resistance surface tensioner (not         shown) capable of increasing or decreasing an amount of tension         on one or more resistance surfaces 10.     -   76. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         75, further comprising: an air system (not shown) that blows air         onto a user to keep them cool while working out.     -   77. The exercise equipment 100 of embodiment 76, wherein the air         system comprises (i) an air-flow producing device (e.g., a         fan)(not shown), and (ii) tubing (not shown) from the air-flow         producing device to a location within a volume bound by (a) a         given resistance surface 10, (b) the fronts posts 14, (c) the         rear posts 18, and (d) the partitioning material 17.     -   78. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         77, further comprising: one or more monitors (not shown) capable         of electronically displaying video content and/or exercise         parameters (e.g., jogging speed, jogging minutes, etc.) to a         user while exercising.     -   79. The exercise equipment 100 of embodiment 78, wherein the one         or more monitors comprises at least one monitor for each of the         one or more resistance surfaces 10.     -   80. The exercise equipment 100 of embodiment 78 or 79, wherein         the one or more monitors are positioned proximate the front         surface point or edge 11 of the one or more resistance surfaces         10.     -   81. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         80, further comprising: one or more device connections (not         shown) so as to power an electronic device (e.g., cell phone,         iPad, tablet, computer, television, watch, etc.)(not shown).     -   82. The exercise equipment 100 of embodiment 81, wherein the one         or more device connections are within a volume bound by (a) a         given resistance surface 10, (b) the front posts 14, (c) the         rear posts 18, and (d) the partitioning material 17.     -   83. The exercise equipment 100 of embodiment 81 or 82, wherein         the one or more device connections are positioned along at least         one of the fronts posts 14 or at least one of the rear posts 18.     -   84. The exercise equipment 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to         83, further comprising: one or more resistance bands 41 (see,         FIG. 13 ), one or more suspension straps 40 (e.g., TRX straps or         bands)(see, FIG. 12 ), one or more bars/poles 42 (see, FIG. 13         ), audio and/or visual equipment (not shown), one or more         movement sensors (not shown), one or more cameras (not shown),         or any combination thereof.     -   85. The exercise equipment 100 of embodiment 84, wherein the one         or more resistance bands 41, the one or more suspension straps         40 (e.g., TRX straps or bands)(see, FIG. 12 ), the one or more         bars/poles 42, the audio and/or visual equipment, the one or         more movement sensors, the one or more cameras, or any         combination thereof are positioned along and/or connected to at         least one of first forward post 14, second forward post 14, and         the ceiling component 36.

Methods of Making Exercise equipment

-   -   86. A method of making the exercise equipment 100 of any one of         embodiments 1 to 85, said method comprising: assembling the one         or more resistance surfaces 10, the first and second forward         posts 14, and the partitioning material 17 with one another.     -   87. The method of embodiment 86, further comprising: assembling         the first and second rear posts 18 with the one or more         resistance surfaces 10, the first and second forward posts 14,         and the partitioning material 17.     -   88. The method of embodiment 86 or 87, wherein the one or more         resistance surfaces 10 comprises the two or more resistance         surfaces 10 with each resistance surface 10 (a) extending         between the central axis 19 and the outer edge 20 of the         exercise equipment 100, each of the opposite lines 21 extending         through the central axis 19 and forming the angle A         therebetween.     -   89. The method of any one of embodiments 86 to 88, wherein the         exercise equipment 100 comprises eight or more resistance         surfaces 10 and eight or more independent angles A, and each of         the eight or more independent angles A is equal to or less than         about 45°.     -   90. The method of any one of embodiments 86 to 89, wherein the         exercise equipment 100 comprises n resistance surfaces 10 and n         independent angles A, and each of the n independent angles A is         equal to or less than about (360°/n).     -   91. The method of any one of embodiments 86 to 90, wherein each         resistance surface 10 independently has a triangular shape or an         isosceles trapezoid shape.     -   92. The method of any one of embodiments 88 to 91, wherein at         least one of said resistance surface 10 has a triangular shape.     -   93. The method of any one of embodiments 86 to 92, wherein at         least one of said resistance surface 10 has an isosceles         trapezoid shape.     -   94. The method of any one of embodiments 86 to 93, wherein each         resistance surface 10 has (i) an overall front width W_(FRS)         along the front surface point or edge 11 of less than about 5.0         ft, (ii) an overall rear width W_(RRS) along the rear surface         edge 12 of less than about 15.0 ft, and (iii) an overall length         L_(RS) along the opposite side surface edges 13 of less than         about 15.0 ft.     -   95. The method of any one of embodiments 86 to 94, wherein each         resistance surface 10 has (i) an overall front width W_(FRS)         along the front surface point or edge 11 of about 3.0 ft, (ii)         an overall rear width W_(RRS) along the rear surface edge 12 of         about 11.0 ft, and (iii) an overall length L_(RS) along the         opposite side surface edges 13 of about 11.0 ft.

96. The method of any one of embodiments 86 to 95, wherein the exercise equipment 100 comprises y resistance surfaces 10, y front posts 14, y rear posts 18, and y partitioning walls 171 separating individual resistance surfaces 10 from one another, with y being an integer from 2 to 8.

-   -   97. The method of embodiment 96, wherein y is 8.     -   98. The method of any one of embodiments 86 to 97, wherein said         assembling step comprises: forming z modular exercise units (not         shown) with each modular exercise unit comprising a resistance         surface 10, at least one front post 14, at least one rear post         18, and at least one partitioning wall 171, with z being an         integer from 2 to 8.     -   99. The method of any one of embodiments 86 to 98, wherein said         assembling step comprises: forming z modular exercise units (not         shown) with each modular exercise unit comprising a resistance         surface 10, two front posts 14, two rear posts 18, and two         partitioning walls 171, with z being an integer from 2 to 8.     -   100. The method of any one of embodiments 86 to 99, wherein each         of the first and second forward posts 14 independently comprises         a square or rectangular cross-sectional area with opposing side         post surfaces 141 facing the one or more resistance surfaces 10.     -   101. The method of any one of embodiments 86 to 100, wherein         each of the first and second forward posts 14 independently         comprises one or more rings 15 positioned along the first and         second forward posts 14.     -   102. The method of embodiment 100 or 101, wherein one or more of         the one or more rings 15 are positioned along one or both of the         opposing side post surfaces 141 so as to face the one or more         resistance surfaces 10.     -   103. The method of any one of embodiments 86 to 102, wherein         each of the first and second forward posts 14 independently         comprises one or more connectors 16 positioned along the first         and second forward posts 14.     -   104. The method of embodiment 103, wherein one or more of the         one or more connectors 16 are positioned along one or both of         the opposing side post surfaces 141 so as to face the one or         more resistance surfaces 10.     -   105. The method of any one of embodiments 86 to 104, wherein the         partitioning material 17 comprises a netting material 17.     -   106. The method of any one of embodiments 86 to 104, wherein the         partitioning material 17 comprises a polymeric sheet material         (e.g., a plexiglass sheet)(not shown).     -   107. The method of any one of embodiments 86 to 106, wherein         each of the first and second rear posts 18 independently         comprises a square or rectangular cross-sectional area with         opposing side rear post surfaces 181 facing the one or more         resistance surfaces 10, and a side rear post surface 183 facing         a corresponding front post 14.     -   108. The method of any one of embodiments 86 to 107, wherein         each of the first and second rear posts 18 independently         comprises one or more rear post connectors 185 that enable         connection of the partitioning material 17 to the first and         second rear posts 18.     -   109. The method of any one of embodiments 88 to 108, further         comprising: assembling the surface support structure 30.     -   110. The method of embodiment 109, further comprising:         connecting the one or more resistance surfaces 10 to the surface         support structure 30 via the plurality of elastic members (not         shown).     -   111. The method of embodiment 110, further comprising:         positioning the first padding 26 over the plurality of elastic         members (not shown).     -   112. The method of any one of embodiments 88 to 111, further         comprising: positioning the second padding 27 so as to extend         outwardly from the central axis 19 towards the outer edge 20.     -   113. The method of any one of embodiments 88 to 112, wherein the         exercise equipment 100 has an overall shape having up to about         eight side edges 28 extending along the outer edge 20. As         discussed above, exercise equipment 100 may have any overall         shape including, but not limited to, the overall shapes         discussed in embodiment 66 above.     -   114. The method of any one of embodiments 86 to 113, wherein         said exercise equipment 100 has an overall octagonal shape.     -   115. The method of any one of embodiments 86 to 114, further         comprising: incorporating one or more biometric components (not         shown) within or on at least one of the one or more resistance         surfaces 10, the one or more biometric components being capable         of measuring a physical property of a user (e.g., heart rate,         etc.).     -   116. The method of any one of embodiments 86 to 115, further         comprising: incorporating one or more sensors (not shown) that         measure one or more exercise parameters of a user into the         exercise equipment 100.     -   117. The method of embodiment 116, wherein the one or more         exercise parameters comprise, but are not limited to, a weight         of the user on a given resistance surface 10, a height of a user         standing still on a given resistance surface 10, a jumping         height of a user on a given resistance surface 10, a force         detector that detects an amount of force applied by a user onto         a component of the exercise equipment 100 (e.g., at least one of         first and second front posts 14, at least one of first and         second rear posts 18, a ceiling component 36 (see, FIGS. 11-12         ), partitioning material 17, etc.). As discussed above, such         forces include, but are not limited to, kinetic energy,         potential energy, acceleration, velocity, etc.     -   118. The method of any one of embodiments 86 to 117, further         comprising: positioning the ceiling component (not shown) over         at least one of the one or more resistance surfaces 10, wherein         the ceiling component enables a user to (i) utilize the ceiling         component so as to push against the ceiling component, (ii)         suspend one or more ceiling attachment components (or the         user)(not shown) from the ceiling component, and/or (iii) grab         one or more ceiling-extending components (not shown) extending         from the ceiling component.     -   119. The method of any one of embodiments 86 to 118, further         comprising: positioning the oscillator (not shown) so as to be         able to create vibration along one or more of the one or more         resistance surfaces 10.     -   120. The method of any one of embodiments 86 to 119, further         comprising: positioning the resistance surface tensioner (not         shown) so as to be able to increase or decrease an amount of         tension on one or more resistance surfaces 10.     -   121. The method of any one of embodiments 86 to 120, further         comprising: positioning the air system (not shown) to blow air         onto a user to keep them cool while working out.     -   122. The method of any one of embodiments 86 to 121, further         comprising: positioning the one or more monitors (not shown) so         that a user can view the display (not shown) while exercising.     -   123. The method of any one of embodiments 86 to 122, further         comprising: positioning the one or more device connections (not         shown) so that a user can power an electronic device (e.g., cell         phone, iPad, tablet, computer, television, watch, etc.)(not         shown) during exercise.

Methods of Using Exercise equipment

-   -   124. A method of using the exercise equipment 100 of any one of         embodiments 1 to 85, said method comprising: standing or jumping         on at least one of the one or more resistance surfaces 10; and         performing one or more exercises within the volume bound by (a)         a given resistance surface 10, (b) the front posts 14, (c) the         rear posts 18, and (d) the partitioning material 17.     -   125. The method of embodiment 124, further comprising: utilizing         at least one ring 15, at least one connector 16, or both during         said performing step.     -   126. The method of embodiment 124 or 125, further comprising:         attaching one or more exercise tools (e.g., one or more         resistance bands 41, one or more suspension straps 40, the one         or more bars/poles 42, audio and/or visual equipment, one or         more movement sensors, one or more cameras, the ceiling         component 36, or any combination thereof) to at least one ring         15, at least one connector 16, or both during said performing         step.     -   127. The method of embodiment 126, wherein the one or more         exercise tools comprise a rope (not shown), a bungee cord (not         shown), an inversion machine (not shown), one or more resistance         bands 41, one or more suspension straps 40, the one or more         bars/poles 42, audio and/or visual equipment, one or more         movement sensors, one or more cameras, the ceiling component 36,         or any combination thereof.     -   128. The method of any one of embodiments 124 to 127, further         comprising: watching a video of one or more monitors (not         shown). For example, the exercise equipment 100 could monitor a         user using one or more sensors (not shown) that are connected to         one or more computer applications that provide real time and         historical performance data to the user via one or more monitor         displays.     -   129. The method of any one of embodiments 124 to 128, further         comprising: using one or more sensors (not shown) to measure one         or more exercise parameters of a user using the exercise         equipment 100.     -   130. The method of embodiment 129, wherein the one or more         exercise parameters comprise, but are not limited to, a weight         of the user on a given resistance surface 10, a height of a user         standing still on a given resistance surface 10, a jumping         height of a user on a given resistance surface 10, a force         detector that detects an amount of force applied by a user onto         a component of the exercise equipment 100 (e.g., at least one of         first and second front posts 14, at least one of first and         second rear posts 18, a ceiling component 36 (see, FIGS. 11-12         ), partitioning material 17, etc.). As discussed above, such         forces include, but are not limited to, kinetic energy,         potential energy, acceleration, velocity, etc.     -   131. The method of any one of embodiments 124 to 130, further         comprising: collecting force data and/or biometric data and/or         other user exercise parameter data during an exercise session;         and providing collected data to the user real time or at a later         time.     -   132. The method of embodiment 131, further comprising:         displaying the collected data to the user real time.

It should be understood that although the above-described exercise equipment, and methods are described as “comprising” one or more components or steps, the above-described exercise equipment, and methods may “comprise,” “consists of,” or “consist essentially of” any of the above-described components or steps of the exercise equipment, and methods. Consequently, where the present invention, or a portion thereof, has been described with an open-ended term such as “comprising,” it should be readily understood that (unless otherwise stated) the description of the present invention, or the portion thereof, should also be interpreted to describe the present invention, or a portion thereof, using the terms “consisting essentially of” or “consisting of” or variations thereof as discussed below.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” “contains”, “containing,” “characterized by” or any other variation thereof, are intended to encompass a non-exclusive inclusion, subject to any limitation explicitly indicated otherwise, of the recited components. For example, a exercise equipment and/or method that “comprises” a list of elements (e.g., components or steps) is not necessarily limited to only those elements (or components or steps), but may include other elements (or components or steps) not expressly listed or inherent to the exercise equipment and/or method.

As used herein, the transitional phrases “consists of” and “consisting of” exclude any element, step, or component not specified. For example, “consists of” or “consisting of” used in a claim would limit the claim to the components, materials or steps specifically recited in the claim except for impurities ordinarily associated therewith (i.e., impurities within a given component). When the phrase “consists of” or “consisting of” appears in a clause of the body of a claim, rather than immediately following the preamble, the phrase “consists of” or “consisting of” limits only the elements (or components or steps) set forth in that clause; other elements (or components) are not excluded from the claim as a whole.

As used herein, the transitional phrases “consists essentially of” and “consisting essentially of” are used to define a protective exercise equipment and/or method that includes materials, steps, features, components, or elements, in addition to those literally disclosed, provided that these additional materials, steps, features, components, or elements do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. The term “consisting essentially of” occupies a middle ground between “comprising” and “consisting of”′.

Further, it should be understood that the herein-described exercise equipment and/or methods may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of any of the herein-described components and features, as shown in the figures with or without any feature(s) not shown in the figures. In other words, in some embodiments, the exercise equipment and/or methods of the present invention do not have any additional features other than those shown in the figures, and such additional features, not shown in the figures, are specifically excluded from the exercise equipment and/or methods. In other embodiments, the exercise equipment and/or methods of the present invention do have one or more additional features that are not shown in the figures.

The present invention is further illustrated by the following examples, which are not to be construed in any way as imposing limitations upon the scope thereof. On the contrary, it is to be clearly understood that resort may be had to various other embodiments, modifications, and equivalents thereof which, after reading the description herein, may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention and/or the scope of the appended claims.

Example 1

Exercise equipment, similar to exemplary exercise equipment 100 shown in FIGS. 1-13 , were prepared.

While the specification has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily conceive of alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to these embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be assessed as that of the appended claims and any equivalents thereto. 

1. Exercise equipment comprising: one or more resistance surfaces with each resistance surface comprising (i) a front surface point or edge, (ii) a rear surface edge, and (iii) opposite side surface edges extending between the front surface point or edge and the rear surface edge; first and second forward posts positioned along the opposite side surface edges and extending upward above the one or more resistance surfaces, each of the first and second forward posts independently comprises one or more rings, one or more connectors, or both, positioned along the first and second forward posts, the one or more rings and the one or more connectors enabling a user to perform one or more exercise routines via the one or more rings and the one or more connectors; and partitioning material extending between and connected to said first and second forward posts so as to extend from the first forward post along at least a portion of a first side surface edge of said opposite side surface edges to said rear surface edge, and along at least a portion of a second side surface edge of said opposite side surface edges from said rear surface edge to the second forward post, wherein the one or more resistance surfaces comprises two or more resistance surfaces with each resistance surface (a) extending between a central axis of said exercise equipment and an outer edge of said exercise equipment, said outer edge completely surrounding said central axis, and (b) comprising (i) said front surface point or edge, (ii) said rear surface edge, and (iii) said opposite side surface edges extending between the front surface point or edge and the rear surface edge; said opposite side surface edges extending along opposite lines, each of said opposite lines extending through said central axis and forming an angle A therebetween, wherein each of said angle A is equal to or less than about 90°.
 2. The exercise equipment of claim 1, further comprising: first and second rear posts positioned in opposite corners along said rear surface edge and extending upward above the one or more resistance surfaces. 3-5. (canceled)
 6. The exercise equipment of claim 1, wherein said exercise equipment comprises five or more resistance surfaces and five or more independent angles A, and each of said five or more independent angles A is equal to or less than about 72°. 7-23. (canceled)
 24. The exercise equipment of claim 1, wherein each resistance surface has (i) an overall front width W_(FJS) along said front surface point or edge of less than about 5.0 feet (ft), (ii) an overall rear width W_(RJS) along said rear surface edge of less than about 15.0 ft, and (iii) an overall length LIS along said opposite side surface edges of less than about 15.0 ft. 25-27. (canceled)
 28. The exercise equipment of claim 1, wherein said exercise equipment comprises z modular exercise units with each modular exercise unit comprising a resistance surface, at least one front post, at least one rear posts, and at least one partitioning wall, with z being an integer from 2 to
 8. 29. The exercise equipment of claim 1, wherein said exercise equipment comprises z modular exercise units with each modular exercise unit comprising a resistance surface, two front post, two rear posts, and two partitioning walls, with z being an integer from 2 to
 8. 30. The exercise equipment of claim 1, wherein said first and second forward posts are positioned along the opposite side surface edges so as to be closer to said front surface point or edge than said rear surface edge. 31-35. (canceled)
 36. The exercise equipment of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second forward posts independently comprises one or more rings positioned along the first and second forward posts. 37-44. (canceled)
 45. The exercise equipment of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second forward posts independently comprises from two to six connectors positioned along the first and second forward posts. 46-53. (canceled)
 54. The exercise equipment of claim 1, wherein said partitioning material comprises a netting material having an amount of tension therein and thereon so as to provide resistance against an applied force. 55-56. (canceled)
 57. The exercise equipment of claim 2, wherein each of the first and second rear posts independently comprises one or more rear post connectors that enable connection of the partitioning material to the first and second rear posts.
 58. The exercise equipment of claim 1, further comprising: a surface support structure, said surface support structure comprising a support structure frame member (i) having an upper surface, and (ii) extending from proximate said one or more resistance surfaces to a ground surface. 59-60. (canceled)
 61. The exercise equipment of claim 1, wherein each of said one or more resistance surfaces comprises a separate fabric material, wherein said exercise equipment further comprises: a plurality of elastic members (not shown), said plurality of elastic members connecting said separate fabric material to a support structure frame member of said exercise equipment. 62-65. (canceled)
 66. The exercise equipment of claim 1, wherein said exercise equipment has an overall shape having up to about eight side edges extending along said outer edge.
 67. (canceled)
 68. The exercise equipment of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more resistance surfaces comprises biometric components therein and/or thereon, the biometric components being capable of measuring a physical property of a user (e.g., heart rate, etc.).
 69. The exercise equipment of claim 1, further comprising: one or more sensors that measure one or more exercise parameters of a user, wherein the one or more exercise parameters comprise, but are not limited to, a weight of the user on a given resistance surface, a height of a user standing still on a given resistance surface, a jumping height of a user on a given resistance surface, a force detector that detects an amount of force applied by a user onto a component of the exercise equipment selected from at least one of first and second front posts, at least one of first and second rear posts, a ceiling component, partitioning material, or any combination thereof.
 70. (canceled)
 71. The exercise equipment of claim 1, further comprising: a ceiling component positioned over at least one of the one or more resistance surfaces, wherein the ceiling component enables a user to (i) utilize the ceiling component so as to push against the ceiling component, (ii) suspend one or more ceiling attachment components (or the user) from the ceiling component, and/or (iii) grab one or more ceiling-extending components extending from the ceiling component. 72-83. (canceled)
 84. The exercise equipment of claim 1, further comprising: one or more resistance bands, one or more suspension straps, one or more bars/poles, audio and/or visual equipment, one or more movement sensors, one or more cameras, or any combination thereof.
 85. (canceled)
 86. A method of making the exercise equipment of claim 1, said method comprising: assembling the two or more resistance surfaces, the first and second forward posts, and the partitioning material with one another so that each resistance surface (a) extends between the central axis and the outer edge of the exercise equipment, and each of the opposite lines extend through the central axis and form the angle A therebetween. 87-123. (canceled)
 124. A method of using the exercise equipment of claim 1, said method comprising: standing or resistance on at least one of the two or more resistance surfaces; and performing one or more exercises within the volume bound by (a) a given resistance surface, (b) the fronts posts, (c) the rear posts, and (d) the partitioning material. 125-132. (canceled) 